Official Workbook PDF page source text

2026 Convention Workbook 95

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS

o Rotating history exhibits in the exhibition hall in the CHI building on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis • The 80-page, illustrated Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly (CHIQ), the longest-running journal of Lutheran history in North America, now in its 99th year • A redesigned, smartphone-friendly website with access to the CHI catalogs and offering an expanding array of downloadable historical resources • An annual awards program—now in its 53rd year—recog - nizing excellence in publishing Lutheran historical scholar - ship • A newly launched CHI Monograph Series, making significant research in historical topics available in English and other languages • Hill of Peace Lutheran Memorial in Friedenberg, Missouri—a historic touchstone of 19th-century Lutheran faith and life B. Major Accomplishments Over the Last Triennium B.1. Developed and Shared Resources to Observe/ Commemorate Synod-Related Anniversaries Over the past three years, CHI has produced and shared a wide range of resources to commemorate key anniversaries in Synod history, including the following:

• Fall 2021: A museum exhibit marking the 500th anniversary of the first numismatic portrait of Martin Luther, featuring more than 70 artistic portrayals of Luther, Katharina von Bora, Philip Melanchthon, and Frederick the Wise • Spring 2022:

The 175th anniversary of the LCMS, observed through a special full-color CHIQ issue, a commemorative bronze medal, 49 downloadable biographies, new publica - tions, and Walther Roundtable XXXIII • Fall 2022: Online museum exhibit commemorating the 500th anniversary of Martin Chemnitz’s birth • 2022–2023: Multiple CHIQ essays and issues recognizing LCMS World Relief and Human Care, Deaf Ministry, the Evangelical Lutheran Synodical Conference, and the 1973 New Orleans convention • 2024:

Extensive observance of the 50th anniversary of the 1974 Concordia Seminary walkout, including bibliogra - phies, special issues, and a major scholarly publication • 2024–2026: Commemorations of KFUO Radio, missionary journeys, global mission work, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and Lutheran history in the United States CHI is preparing to commemorate upcoming ethnic ministry and mission anniversaries in Brazil, Latin America, and Japan in the next three years, supported by museum exhibits, multilingual publications, and special presentations.

B.2. Expansion and Greater Accessibility of CHI’s Archival Collection CHI has continued to prioritize the retrieval and preservation of records from closed Synod congregations, institutions, and church leaders. Significant progress includes the processing of archival

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Concordia Historical Institute The Department of Archives and History of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod concordiahistoricalinstitute.org Treasuring and Trumpeting the Redeeming Work of Christ in the Faith and Life of the Missouri Synod Under our three-year convention theme, Christ Is Risen Indeed (1 Cor. 15:20–22), Concordia Historical Institute (CHI) reminds the Synod that its history is a sacred trust—one we are called not only to preserve, but to joyfully proclaim. Our Lord Jesus Christ has redeemed not only His people, but our history as well. Because of this, CHI staff and board continue to steward the resources entrusted to us so that the Institute may continue to serve as the premier provider of Lutheran historical resources for Synod leadership, districts, congregations, and families. Soli Deo gloria.

A. Our Charge: Active Stewardship of Lutheran Historical and Archival Resources The roots of CHI reach back to the founding of the LCMS 179 years ago, when the Synod Secretary was tasked with recording the church’s history and preserving documents and artifacts of lasting historical value. Officially incorporated as a nonprofit institution in 1927, CHI has continued this mission—retrieving, organizing, preserving, and sharing historical treasures for the benefit of church and community. Today, CHI serves as a resource for Synod, district, university, and congregational archives, giving fresh opportunities for us to rediscover Christ’s merciful hand as we recall major anniversaries related to the Missouri Synod.

As the Synod’s official department of archives and history (Bylaw 3.6.2), CHI curates the largest Lutheran archival collection in North America. This collection includes documents, publications, rare books, photographs, audiovisual materials, artifacts, numismatics, and fine art connected to the Reformation and the Luther - an Church in North America. CHI’s primary area of collection encompasses all materials directly related to the history of the Synod, while its secondary scope includes materials that provide essential historical context for understanding that 179-year history.

Through these efforts, CHI documents the life of a church body that, by the mercy and grace of Christ and His Word, has endured crises, navigated conflict, and continued to grow and flourish in difficult and threatening times.

Currently, CHI actively manages the following:

• Over 20,000 linear feet of archival materials—nearly 67 football fields in length—preserved in climate-controlled facil - ities • A rapidly expanding collection of historic photographs, film, audio and video recordings, artifacts (many originating from the mission field), numismatic pieces, and fine art • Professional archival and research services that organize, catalog, digitize, and provide access to more than 4 million individual items • Two high-quality museums:

o A permanent Reformation and LCMS history exhibit at the LCMS International Center in Kirkwood, Missouri